Horse Health

Course Name: Horse Health

Prerequisites: None

Description:Horse Health familiarizes students with basic anatomy and physiology of the horse, teaches the basics of equine first aid, and deals with content related to the general health and well-being of the horse. Students also learn to set up preventative health programs for the control of disease and parasites, and identify common lamenesses along with those conformation faults that predispose lameness problems.

Weekly Topics:Students will have experience applying concepts and principles, as well as skills and strategies to over 100 horses that are involved in the school program. Therefore, content is divided into three week segments which include classroom sessions and extensive field work.

Performance Objectives:Following successful completion of Horse Health, the student will be able to:

Demonstrate a basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the horse

Explain and demonstrate the concepts and principles of first aid

Identify and describe common diseases of the horse

Identify and describe common lameness problems of horses

Explain causes and treatments for basic diseases and lameness problems in horses

Describe what is included in preventative programs for the control of parasites and disease

Set up a basic preventative program which includes record keeping and practical applications of preventative health care

Throughout the extensive field work offered through Horse Health, the student will be able to:

Identify and read vital functions

Diagnose common problems and suggest appropriate treatment

Perform follow-up care

Demonstrate ability to perform first aid procedures appropriately

Demonstrate proper would care

Give intra-muscular injections

Demonstrate an understanding of proper assistance to health care professionals such as the veterinarian and the chiropractor

Methods:In order for students to acquire the knowledge and skills of Horse Health, the instructor will use a variety of teaching methods including: expository learning, discussion, demonstration, & guided practice. Students will have extensive hands-on instruction and guided practice using the 100+ horses that are involved in the school program.

Evaluation:Students will be evaluated on their knowledge & skills through mid-term test, and final exam, quality of notebook, score on their research project, and teacher-made quizzes. In addition, students are expected to participate in a variety of ways including their involvement in:

Class learning activities such as discussion and projects

Lab activities, assisting in horse care, practicing skills and other field work

The School Horse Health Care System

Horse care outside of class hours

Formative assessment and immediate feedback during lab activities will be used to guide the teaching/learning process and will allow students to monitor their progress throughout the course.

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